MULTIPLE FIRES GROW NEAR ELKO, NEVADA

Elko, Nevada – Large lightning-caused fires are burning northeast and northwest of Elko. Three fires along Susie Creek about 5 miles north of Carlin have burned approximately 5,000 acres in sagebrush and grass. I-80 is closed from Carlin east to the Carlin Tunnels. Structure protection is in place at the University of Nevada, Reno Fire Science Academy. A Type II Fire Management Team has been ordered for the Susie Creek and will be arriving on Monday, June 26th. Three fires near Elburz about 10 miles northeast of Elko burned over 3000 acres and the community is being evacuated by the Elko County Sheriff’s Office. I-80 is closed from mile post 311 to 320. Other fires in the Spring Creek area were contained quickly. All fires are burning in sagebrush and grass. A large array of fire fighting resources are currently on hand or enroute to the scene. Twenty fire engines from the Carlin Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Lee Engine Company, Ryndon VFD, Deeth VFD, Wells VFD, Spring Creek VFD, Nevada Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management; and Nevada Division of Forestry crews from Wells and Carlin, are fighting the fires now. Smoke jumpers deployed on the Susie Creek and Elburz fires. Single engine air tankers are being used on the Susie Creek and Elburz Fires. Bull dozers, water tenders, and other heavy equipment is being used as well. Acting Elko Fire Management Officer Dylan Rader commented, “We’re getting as many resources on theses fires as we can. Shifting, gusty winds hampered our suppression efforts. We urge the public to be extremely cautious with fire and outdoor activities.”